Alexis Gardens

The original Alexis in Bangsar Baru made a name in the local restaurant scene with its casual chic, selection of local dishes and delicious cakes. Conversely, Alexis Ampang, located at Great Eastern Mall, is known as an acclaimed live music venue for local and international jazz performers. We must also not forget their outlet in Bangsar Shopping Centre, known for its relaxed ambience.

Armed with this knowledge, we approached the newest Alexis at the Gardens with slight trepidation but also plenty of excitement at what they could throw up next. This restaurant is spacious, divided into a large dining room with an adjoined open kitchen and an elegant bar section where smoking is allowed. The marble-top bar itself is the centrepiece of the room with glass panels and naked light bulbs proving that the industrial and contemporary can complement each other.

After the orders were taken, rather curiously, the first course to arrive was the wagyu beef cheeks (RM45). However, the feeling of surprise was quickly replaced by one of ecstasy. The braised beef was meltingly tender, generously covered with a most delicious sauce. The side of tangy gremolata rocket salad proved an ideal foil to the richness of the red wine sauce. Sadly, the mash was goopy and starchy.

Local Asian dishes are perennial favourites at other Alexis outlets. It was good to see the same choices available here. The popular Nyonya mee Siam (RM18) was cooked to the same high standard and the Alexis practice of serving the sauce for the noodles separately was observed here too.

The biggest disappointment was finding out that the kitchen had forgotten to prepare the starter. As there were only four tables occupied at that time, it seemed a rather basic mistake to make. When it did finally arrive, the baby spinach and chickpea salad (RM15) was as regretful as the wait for it. It was rather bland, and the chef had decided to leave a large amount of the chickpea boiling liquid on the plate. This was not a success for one of their new dishes, not available at any of the other outlets.

Thankfully, their reputation for excellent desserts was justified. The Pavlova (RM12) was simply divine. The meringue was light and crispy, the cream filling was smooth and not overly sweet and the crown of mixed berries was fresh and succulent. That just about won us over enough to dismiss their shortcomings that evening as teething problems. Alexis still consistently delivers on their most famous dishes.

Order This Dessert Skip This Baby spinach and chickpea salad

TEXT & PHOTOS Chan Wai Lee

Published in Issue #116